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Sine Qua Non Marsanne The Straw Man 2006 (half bottle 375mL)  - First Bottle

Reviews

97 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
The 2006 Mr. K The Straw Man Marsanne Vin de Paille is 100% Marsanne from the Beckmen Vineyard that boasts 240 grams of residual sugar per liter. A medium gold-colored effort, it reveals more marmalade notes interwoven with notions of maple syrup, honeysuckle, and exotic tropical fruits. While untuously-textured with remarkable sweetness, it is not cloying because of the fresh acids. I have no idea how long these wines will last, but they will undoubtedly keep for many years. Passing through what looks like a junkyard (or the first or second level of hell) to get to the warehouse of both bodily and spiritual pleasures called Sine Qua Non, is a hoot and a howl, but well worth it if you can somehow wrangle an appointment with the reclusive proprietor, Manfred Krankl. Tasting here is one of the highlights of my year, and all my expectations were satisfied if not eclipsed by what Krankl has made in 2007 and 2006. Oh, and there is one utterly perfect late-released 2005. Yields in 2007 were exceptionally low, with the Syrah averaging 1.5 to 2 tons of fruit per acre, Grenache 1.3 tons per acre, and the white grapes 1.28 tons of fruit per acre. Put another way, Krankl’s highest yields averaged a meager 1.05 to 1.55 pounds of fruit per vine. That in large part explains the compelling aromatics, texture, richness, and intensity of these wines. Add to that the compulsive viticultural work and fanatical attention to detail in the winery, and it’s no wonder Sine Qua Non remains one of California’s most remarkable reference points of world-class wines. The good news is that the first wine from the new home vineyard in Ventura County, the Cumulus Vineyard, has been produced. Moreover, the continued brilliance of the other estate vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, 11 Confessions, is confirmed. Over the last few years I have not been able to taste through the Sine Qua Non wines without coming across one that merits a three-digit score. The final wines to be bottled under the “Mr. K.” moniker include the 2006 The Nobleman and 2006 The Strawman. As some readers may know, this partnership between the famed Austrian, Alois Kracher, and Manfred Krankl has finally come to an end because of the tragic death of Alois Kracher, who fell victim to pancreatic cancer at age 49. The Mr. K. offerings have been remarkable wines that showcased the talents of both of these great winemakers.
95 Vinous -
(for 375 ml.; 240 g/l r.s. with 8.4 g/l acidity) Deep gold. Powerful pit fruit and citrus marmalade on the nose, with a strong note of mostarda adding urgency and spice. The mostarda quality repeats on the palate, which features sweet candied tangerine and apricot marmalade flavors and a hint of smoky herbs. Extremely complex sweet wine with strong finishing clarity, spiciness and length.

Technical Details

  • BlendMarsanne
  • WinemakerManfred Krankl
  • CountryUS
  • RegionCalifornia
  • AppellationCalifornia
  • VineyardBeckmen Vineyard
  • Residual Sugar240 grams/L
  • Alcohol12.2%

Sine Qua Non Marsanne The Straw Man 2006 (half bottle 375mL)

Other Whites  |  US
WA97, VN95

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About the Producer

Sine Qua Non has become an international sensation and one of the most collected California wines. Manfred Krankl started with a vision and a whole lot of passion and turned it into an incredible success. They now own four rather diverse Estate vineyards: Eleven Confessions in Santa Rita Hills, Cumulus in south Santa Barbara, The Third Twin in Los Alamos and Molly Aida in Tepusquet Canyon planted to head trained Mourvedre. Without a doubt SQN produces some of the most interesting wines we taste every year.